13th century- The Middle East.
In the heart of the Arabian desert, Princess Laila of Al-Shujae tribe faces an impossible choice to save her people from an ongoing siege. To secure peace, Laila agrees to marry the fearsome commander of Al-Muharibun...
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Chapter 15
Witness- شاهد
To believe in goodness in everyone was her naivety. Of course, no one is born evil, but as Laila stared into the lost soul of her kidnapper she could only wonder, what bad had this person done to have no good in him at all.
"I must admit, it was not easy to get you out of the palace" Khalil sniggered, walking towards another who was passed out besides her. Hafsa.
He grabbed her by the hair, her scream muffled by the fabric wrapped tightly around her mouth. "I should say at least, I am grateful to this mutt for taking the bait." Laila struggled in her chair, crying out as she witnessed Hafsa in pain.
"Finally, we are all where we belong again." He released her hair, stroking it as he admired the girl. "You will make a fine slave." Hafsa shook her head, tears running down her face. She looked towards Laila in haste, an apology in her eyes as she begged for forgiveness.
I did not know.
Laila tried to reassure the child by frantically nodding her head, unable to speak through her own gagged mouth. Khalil threw the girl's head down, releasing her from his grip. His eyes spared no second to fall onto Laila as a childish smirk appeared on his face, expecting her to be grateful.
Laila seethed, glaring, cursing with her eyes as she wished he had burned that day of their escape. As though he heard her taunting, Khalil approached, his hands reached around her head to untie the dirty fabric from her mouth.
Before she could utter a single word, the material was quickly replaced with his filthy hand. It covered her entire face, suffocating her as she struggled against him. He leaned down, the putrid smell of him filling the only air Laila could breathe in under his hold.
"That weasel Nasir would wish for you as his own." He sniggered as Laila felt her heart race. "Of course, no one would want for spoiled goods." Her eyes widened as the realisation sank in. He released his grip on her, enjoying the fear in her eyes as she shook her head. "You wouldn't." she whispered, to which Khalil laughed.
"It was your ignorance to believe I was not too far gone Amirah." He walked towards a side table and reached for a small dagger. His fingers caressed the blade, enjoying the feel of the sharp metal.
Laila raised her neck in defiance, daring him to strike. He shook his head, enchanted by her disobedience.
"You are either a very brave or very stupid little girl. Perhaps I need to teach you a lesson" he stood thinking for a moment, before reaching for her tied hands. She tried to evade his vile touch, attempting to kick him despite her bound feet.
